EASTERN RAILWAY MADE ELABORATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF GANGA SAGAR MELA PILGRIMS
Kolkata, January 10, 2024:
Shri Deepak Nigam, Divisional Railway Manager, Sealdah held a press meet at DRM Office, Sealdah today in which Shri Nigam elaborated on various initiatives taken by Eastern Railway for the convenience of Ganga Sagar Mela pilgrims. The details of the elaborate arrangement made by Eastern Railway in connection with the ensuing Gangasar Mela are as follows:-
Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway is meticulously preparing for the upcoming Ganga Sagar Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in India, expected to attract millions of pilgrims from across the country. The Mela, held annually on Sagar Island at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal, is scheduled to take place from January 12th to January 17th, 2024. To cater to the expected surge in passenger traffic, the Sealdah Division will be running over 12 special trains to and from Namkhana and Kakdwip for Sagar Island during the Mela period. These trains will connect major cities and towns across India to Kolkata, from where onward connections to Sagar Island will be available. The frequency of existing trains on the Sealdah-Naamkhana and Kakdwip routes will also be increased to ensure smooth and convenient travel for pilgrims.
Special trains for Pilgrims during Ganga Sagar Mela-2024
| SECTION | 12.01.24 | 13.01.24 | 14.01.24 | 15.01.24 | 16.01.24 | 17.01.24 |
| SEALDAH-NAMKHANA DN EMU SPECIAL | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| KOAA-NAMKHANA DN EMU SPECIAL | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| NAMKHANA-SEALDAH UP EMU SPECIAL | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| LAXMIKANTAPUR-SEALDAH UP EMU SPECIAL | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| NAMKHANA-LAXMIKANTAPUR UP EMU SPECIAL | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| SEALDAH-LAXMIKANTAPUR DN EMU SPECIAL | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| KAKDWIP-SEALDAH UP EMU SPECIAL | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 30711 LAXMIKANTAPUR-MJT EXTENSIONENDED /DIVERTED TO SEALDAH | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 34424 SEALDAH-SONARPUR EXTENSIONENDED UP TO KAKDWIP | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 34736 DN SEALDAH-LAXMIKANTAPUR EXTENSIONENDED UP TO NAMKHANA | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 09 SPECIAL | 12 SPECIAL+ 3 EXTENSION | 12 SPECIAL + 3 EXTENSION | 10 SPECIAL + 3 EXTENSION | 10 SPECIAL + 3 EXTENSION | 07 SPECIAL |
| GRAND TOTAL –72 |
Last year day wise breakup—
2023
| Schedule | DN | UP | TOTAL | ||
| 42 | 43 | 85 | |||
| DATE | SPECIAL SERVICES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS | ||||
| DN | UP | TOTAL | |||
| 12.01.23 | 04 | 05 | 09 | ||
| 13.01.23 | 04 | 05 | 09 | ||
| 14.01.23 | 07 | 08 | 15 | ||
| 15.01.23 | 06 | 07 | 13 | ||
| 16.01.23 | 06 | 07 | 13 | ||
| 17.01.23 | 03 | 04 | 07 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 30 | 36 | 66 | ||
2024 day-wise breakup
| Schedule | DN | UP | TOTAL | ||
| DATE | SPECIAL SERVICES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS | ||||
| DN | UP | TOTAL | |||
| 12.01.24 | 04 | 05 | 09 | ||
| 13.01.24 | 07 | 08 | 15 | ||
| 14.01.24 | 07 | 08 | 15 | ||
| 15.01.24 | 06 | 07 | 13 | ||
| 16.01.24 | 06 | 07 | 13 | ||
| 17.01.24 | 03 | 04 | 07 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 33 | 39 | 72 | ||
The following Passenger Amenities items are provided by the Sealdah Division for pilgrims of Gangasagar Mela.
- Additional Booking Counter: (Commercial)
To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience for pilgrims, the Sealdah Division will be setting up temporary booking counters and help desks at major stations.
Arrangements are to be made by the Commercial Deptt. to open additional Booking Counters at least 02 nos. at Sealdah, 04 nos. at Kakdwip, and 03 nos. at Namkhana around the clock in order to issue tickets to passengers during the Mela Period.
At KWDP station, 02 temporary Booking counters on the main side adjacent to the stairs will be provided by the Engineering deptt.,
- Concrete slab and floor at the temporary booking counters with adequate provision for the safety of UTS ticketing equipment should be ensured.
- Two (2) extra Booking Counters at Sealdah (South) will be operated.
- Drinking Water: (Electrical & Engineering)
Adequate drinking water facilities will be at Kakdwip and Namkhana during mela days provided by Electrical/G & Engineering deptt. to make arrangement to operate electrical pumps at Princep-ghat, LKPR, Kakdwip&Namkhana Stations around the clock.
- Medical Unit: (Medical Dept./B.R.Singh)
A medical unit will be arranged at Kakdwip Rly. Station. They will render First Aid in case of emergency. Augmented First Aid Boxes available at the stations including additional boxes at Kakdwip&Namkhana.from 13.01.2024 to 16.01.2024. Four Wheelchairs and four stretchers at NMKA and KWDP during the mela period.
One (1) Medical Booth each at the Sealdah, Kakdwip, and Namkhana Stations.
For round-the-clock availability, 01 doctor and 01 ambulances at Sealdah, Kakdwip&Namkhana Stations will be provided.
- Sanitary arrangement: (EnHM&Optg.)
Sufficient staff to look after sanitary system, especially at Sealdah, Kakdwip&Namkhana.Sanitary arrangements at other stations of the SDAH South section will be managed by respective departments.
- Security arrangement: (Security Dept.)
Security Department to arrange sufficient RPF personnel at Princep-Ghat, Lakshmikantapur, Namkhana&Kakdwip stations and will keep close coordination with GRP in maintaining law and order and social harmony including ticket checking efforts.
additional security personnel will be deployed at stations and on trains.
For close circuit monitoring during the mela period (12-01-2024 to 17-01-2024), 20-22 nos. of CCTVs at Kakdwip, 16 Nos. CCTVs at Namkhana and at some at Sealdah (south) will be fixed at the station premises.
- Announcements:(Commercial & OPTG)
Proper regular announcements are to be made in all stations for Ganga Sagar pilgrims in 03 languages (Hindi, Bengali & English). There should be directional signage, and flexes at suitable locations at Sealdah Station for guiding pilgrims. No change of Platform, once display or announcement is made. Platform no. 15/16 at SDAH is fixed for NMKA trains Special announcements and signages will be put up to guide pilgrims throughout their journey.
- May I Help You Booth: (Security Dept.)
May I Help You, Booth, with a telephone connection to be provided at Sealdah/South, Princep-Ghat, Kakdwip & Namkhana? The Booths will be manned by RPF as well as GRP staff. Also provided Loud Hailers for emergency announcements at Lakshmikantapur, Kakdwip & Namkhana.
- Volunteers Services: (St.John, B.S & G & Civil Defence)
Volunteers of Civil Defence, Scout & Guide, and St. John Ambulance Brigade will assist pilgrims at Sealdah, Kakdwip & Namkhana during the Mela days.
- Coordination with State Authorities: The Sealdah Division is working closely with the West Bengal Government and other local authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the Mela. Liaison with local authorities to provide necessary amenities like sanitation facilities and medical services at Sagar Island.
The Ganga SagarMela is a significant event for millions of pilgrims, and the Sealdah Division is committed to providing them with a safe, comfortable, and convenient travel experience.
